In difficult economic times, a vacation is often one of the first things to be removed from a budget. At the very least, people opt for the increasingly popular “staycation.” For those looking to keep costs manageable but still get out of town for at least a day or two, the riverside gambling town of Laughlin is becoming an increasingly popular attraction.

Laughlin is a short, 90-minute drive from Las Vegas (for those looking to shave some minutes off the drive, be forewarned that the 25 mph speed limit through Searchlight is strictly enforced and routinely patrolled) and has been compared by some to how Las Vegas used to be. It is smaller, laid-back, relaxed and affordable, and you don’t have to be a high roller to get the high-roller treatment. The club scene is also similar to the older days in Las Vegas, with less focus on velvet-roped lines, $350 bottles of Ketel One and seizure-inducing techno music, and more focus on a lounge feel. If waiting in line and paying a bouncer $40 to get into a club is your idea of a good time, you might find yourself a little bored with the nightlife in Laughlin.

During the day, Laughlin affords opportunities to enjoy the outdoors, from a relaxing hike at Christmas Tree Pass or Big Bend State Recreation Area, a trip back in time to Oatman, Arizona or the numerous activities surrounding the central and defining natural feature of Laughlin: the Colorado River.

“Our location along the river is what made Laughlin what it is today,” said Meg McDaniel, senior manager of the Laughlin Visitors Bureau. “The Colorado River is absolutely pristine in this segment, and it is the key feature that draws people here.”

Down by the River

There seems to be some primal human fascination with water; maybe the constant, steady and smooth movement triggers some part of the reptilian brain. While it is fun to play on and or in, a number of people are perfectly content to, as Bob Dylan put it, watch the river flow.

“Our research shows that it doesn’t matter if it is in an active or passive sense, the river is what draws people here to Laughlin,” McDaniel said. “People enjoy the boating, fishing, renting a jet ski or Ski-Doo or even swimming along the beach area at Harrah’s. In a passive sense, simply sitting at a restaurant that overlooks the water, whether it is the Range at Harrah’s or Don Laughlin’s Gourmet Room at the Riverside, or even just gazing at it from their hotel rooms…there is something about that draw of the water.”

Casino resorts like the Aquarius have packages to help get guests out on the water, with deals that include hotel rooms and discounts on water craft rentals. Packages are designed for those looking for the adrenaline rush of racing along the casinos on a jet ski as well as the people who prefer a scenic tour of the river aboard the Celebration boat. For the most part—at least with mid-week rates—the total cost of a two-night stay and a two-hour jet ski rental is comparable to what it would just cost to rent the jet ski as the average Joe Schmoe walkup customer.

If you want to swim at the beach, you’re going to have to stay at Harrah’s, because the private area is only open to hotel guests (although they would probably make an exception depending on how much you put in play at the tables). There is another access point to get into the river just across the bridge on the Arizona side, but it’s not a soft-sand beach like at Harrah’s. It’s just a natural river edge, which, in short, means mud. It might be great for fishing, but for swimming, it isn’t ideal.

Outdoor Adventures

It seems weird to mention weather as an advantage that Laughlin has, but the reality is that the stretch along the Colorado River is at a lower elevation and is five to 10 degrees warmer than Las Vegas. In August, it’s not much of a selling point, but in the winter months it is nice.

“People can play on the water all year long,” McDaniel said. “People are still out by the pool in December and January.”

With warmer winter weather, the whole wealth of outdoor activities the area has to offer become big attractions. Not only are there four golf courses a few minutes from the casinos, but there are a variety of other things to do, like horseback riding, cattle drives, minirail tours of the canyons surrounding the town, and hiking.

“If anybody likes the outdoors, this is the place to be,” McDaniel said.

Christmas Tree Pass is a particularly attractive area year-round. The pullout is about two miles away from Route 163 (there is also an access point off of Highway 95 that requires spending more time on the primitive road). The gravel road is maintained, and while it can get a little rough in spots, it is perfectly safe for any form of automobile except an RV.

About 45 minutes east of town is the almost ghost town of Oatman, Arizona.

“It really is a step back in time. It hasn’t changed a lot in the last 100 years,” McDaniel said. “It’s really an Old West experience.”

The big draw of Oatman is the wild burros that roam the streets, but there is more to do than play with donkeys. Oatman Stables offers a unique tour that involves a horseback ride behind the mountains surrounding the city, where they have an old-fashioned cookout underneath the stars.

Pride in Ownership

The Laughlin Visitors Bureau, which is part of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, recently launched a new campaign with the tagline, “It’s like you own the place.” The promotion focuses on some of the benefits of the area and its relaxed, unpretentious and friendly atmosphere.

“You feel like this is where you belong,” McDaniel said. “You can afford to be a VIP here. You don’t have to spend a lot of money to enjoy a nice dinner, enjoy the entertainment or stay in a nice room.”

For anyone who snickered at the mention of entertainment, the city has been able to routinely attract a number of national acts, and it’s not just during the annual Laughlin River Run. Kid Rock recently played at the outdoor amphitheater at the Aquarius, Chicago recently visited and Journey and B.B. King will be there soon. There is another advantage to the Laughlin entertainment line-up.

“What I like most about the Laughlin venues is that they are more intimate,” McDaniel said. “You’re in a 2,500- or 3,000-seat amphitheater and you don’t need binoculars to see the performer like you might in some of the larger venues.”

With all the entertainment options and the affordable rooms, Laughlin is a great value and particularly attractive in these times of economic uncertainty.

“It doesn’t matter if you’re talking room rates, concert tickets or a fine dining experience, Laughlin is a great destination for anybody who is somewhat budget-conscious,” McDaniel said.�

By Greg Jones

Greg Jones is managing editor of Casino Connection Nevada, as well as associate editor of Global Gaming Business magazine.

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